Resolute defence from the home side kept Newark from scoring

REPORT WRITTEN BY RICHARD BYROM

2nd XV V Ashbourne

Lost 13-10

A disappointing result

After a comfortable victory against Mansfield in the cup last week, everybody knew that the game against Ashbourne was going to be totally different.
They were only one of two sides who beat us last year. The task was made even harder when 8 players from the previous week were unable to play because of first team call ups, injuries and unavailability’s.

However, on the positive side we were able to welcome into the team our two newest recruits at the club (all the way from India) Gautham and Pepsi who were experiencing English rugby for the very first time. There were also debuts for James Campbell and Nathan (friend of Max Chappell)

Ashbourne started the game on the front foot, with some strong runs from their forwards. After 5 minutes they were rewarded with a penalty which they converted 3-0.
Back came Newark and for the next 15 minutes they dominated play with some very good runs from Dave Garland, Jamie Duncan, Max Chappell and new boy Nathan.

But resolute defence from the home side kept Newark from scoring.

Then against the run of play Ashbourne produced some good interlinking play between forwards and backs which led to the left winger scoring in the corner 8-0

Newark’s frustrations at the score line were made even worse by several altercations with the referee which only resulted in a string of penalties against the visitors.

Half time and more self-discipline and a greater desire were the key ingredients of the team talk.

Newark responded with some good early pressure, Jamie Duncan almost scored, held up over the line, James Campbell almost cut his way through - it was only a matter of time surely.
Eventually a good drive from the forwards led to some slick hands and then a lovely chip and chase from winger Nathan, and Newark had their score 8-5

More dominance from the visitors continued but Ashbourne were defending like their lives depended on it. But then from their own 22 a great run from replacement Jack Clayton set up quick ruck ball and the ball whizzed down the backs and then some lovely hands from Richard Bevan and James Campbell led to Tommy Hill scoring.

With Newark in front for the first time it looked like it would only be a matter of time before they scored again but silly mistakes and poor handling kept Ashbourne in the game and then with only 5 minutes left –the killer blow.

From a drive up the middle the fly half chipped for the corner and the left winger could not believe it when the ball bounced up straight into his hands and he crashed over the line 13-10 to Ashbourne.

How cruel the bounce of the ball can be.

Although Newark threw everything they could at Ashbourne in the last minutes the home side held on for a famous victory.

Their defence had been tremendous but Newark had only got themselves to blame for not converting pressure into points and not being more disciplined. It was harsh lesson to learn

Great debuts for both our Indian lads, well done Gautham and Pepsi. Also well done to James Campbell and Nathan who both played really well – however Man of the Match went to Max Chappell

Next week its West Bridgford away